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Tuesday May 28, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Annie Dragolich
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Beltway Brawl on September 19th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Annie Dragolich, fighting out of Downtown Boxing Club.Where are you from? Cleveland, OhioWhere’d you go to college? Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA Did you play any sports growing up? Yes! I loved all sports as a kid, but competitively I played softball, basketball and volleyball.What do you do for work? How D.C. of you to ask! I'm a Manager for Lyft, focused on training and development. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? Boxing is an awesome sport, but I never imagined I'd be the one throwing (and taking) punches! Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? Almost exactly one year after having a double mastectomy, I met Mark Avery from H4H at another charity event in DC. When he told me about Haymakers for Hope, I knew immediately it was something I needed to be a part of. After my surgery I said I'd never take my body for granted and would find new ways to push myself. Haymakers sounded like the perfect challenge! You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? In June 2016, my dad was diagnosed with breast cancer and discovered he had the BRCA2 (breast cancer gene) mutation, which increases the risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. My sister and I both tested positive for the gene as well, and as part of the initial screening, I discovered I already had breast cancer. In September of 2017, I said "ta ta" to my ta-ta's and underwent a double mastectomy. As tough as it was, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. In 2017, over 40,000 women and men were estimated to lose their lives to breast cancer. For me, I only lost a couple months. So why do I fight? Because I can!What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) Ice cream, tacos, sleep. In that order.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Besides ice cream, tacos and sleep? I love anything outdoors - hiking, camping, climbing, snowboarding, wandering around the city, etc.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I think my sister is pretty pumped to see me take a few punches!Check out her fundraising page and be sure to wish her luck! Best of luck, Annie!
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Tuesday May 28, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Martin Sanchez
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for the upcoming Hope NYC VIII in NYC on November 14th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Martin Sanchez, fighting out of Urban Boxing Arlington.Where are you from? Salisbury, MDWhere’d you go to college? The US Naval Academy Did you play any sports growing up? Soccer, Lacrosse, FootballWhat do you do for work? I am a supply and logistics officer in the Navy. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I have done some boxing before but only because we had to in college for a semester. I signed up more so to support the cause... not necessarily because it was a boxing match. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? To try and raise as much money as possible for a great cause! You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? Family and friends who have fought and are still fighting for their lives.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) All of the best carbs.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? Last year I got into long distance running and really would like to complete an official ultra marathon this year.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? I have a few friends that hope I get knocked out... but they are going to pay admission to come watch so I’m the winner in the end.Check out his fundraising page and be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Martin!
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Monday May 20, 2019
Mad Tough
Most Haymakers for Hope fighters document their journey with a few Instagram posts; Denver 2019 fighter Madison Garver is sharing her journey via the ‘gram, a dedicated Twitter account, and blog. The sheer volume of her updates isn’t even the remarkable thing about her posts; it’s her honesty. “So I’m gonna be real honest. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I submitted my information on the Haymakers for Hope website.” - Excerpt from Madison’s Haymakers for Hope blogMadison’s social channels cover everything from the pain of waking up at 5:00am to what it feels like to get punched in the face for the first time. She credits this transparency for getting her community engaged around her boxing journey. “The blog was really helpful in the beginning because boxing is so emotional,” says Madison. “The process has been very exposed in a way that’s uncomfortable so it’s a good opportunity to use my voice to say ‘Here’s what is going on with training and sometimes it sucks but it’s worth it.’”The story behind her fight has stayed on her mind throughout training. Program Manager by day, Madison was inspired to join the fight to KO cancer because of an event that rocked her community in Anne Arbor, Michigan.“I was a student at U of M and of course we always had a big football presence. That’s where I was when I found out the grandson of a former coach, this little kid named Chad Carr, was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric brain cancer. It has a zero percent survival rate. It hit the community hard.” Chad was just five years old when he lost his battle with cancer, but his fighting spirit has resonated with Madison in the years since. “It always really stuck with me how the community came together around it. When I got into Haymakers for Hope, I knew I had to allocate the money to the Chad Tough Fund because they do the research directly. This disease doesn’t get enough attention, so it’s nice to be able to some shed light.”Madison’s community, both in Colorado and beyond, have responded with boundless support: She has received the most individual donation in this year’s Rumble in the Rockies. She says this support is crucial, because her training journey has been tough. “It’s harder than I anticipated and different than anything I’ve done before. I had no idea the mental component would be so hard.” Still, she’s thankful for the experience and notes that she loves her gym and the mentorship from her coaches. And true to her honest spirit, she’s not shy about the unexpected benefits that came with training. “My arms look great! I was just in a wedding and everyone was complimenting them. But the best thing I’ve gained is the confidence. Being able to take a hit and know, ‘Oh cool, I should have ducked.’ I didn’t think I’d ever get good at it in the beginning, but now I know how to think in a fight.”There are still a limited number of tickets available to watch Madison Garver and the other Haymakers for Hope Rumble in the Rockies fighters battle to KO cancer. Reserve yours here.
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Monday May 20, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Cait Molloy
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for The Inaugural Beltway Brawl in Washington DC on September 19th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Cait Molloy, fighting out of UFC Gym Arlington.
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Monday May 20, 2019
The Beltway Brawl: Pranav Vora
During the coming months, we’ll be highlighting our fighters in training for The Inaugural Beltway Brawl in Washington DC on September 19th. They’ve committed to four months of fundraising and training in preparation to get in the ring and literally fight for a cure. Whether their mom is battling, their father has passed or their friend has put up a victory against the disease – they’ve all got a story to tell and they’ve all got a reason to fight. Below you’ll hear from Pranav Vora, fighting out of Downtown Boxing.Where are you from? I grew in the Midwest - South Bend, Indiana - but have been living in Washington, DC now for over a decade now, it’s become home. Because that answer doesn’t always address what people want to know - I’m ethnically Indian - my parents immigrated to the US in the early 70s.Where’d you go to college? I went to undergrad at Indiana University and graduate school at the London School of Economics. I was a visiting scholar at University of Pennsylvania. Did you play any sports growing up? I played a bunch of sports growing up but the only one that really stuck and that I became (relatively) good at was tennis.What do you do for work? I am the founder of Hugh & Crye, a men’s apparel brand for lean and athletically built guys. I also advise other entrepreneurs, mainly in e-commerce, consumer, and retail. Why boxing? Did you ever picture yourself fighting? I’m learning that boxing is an incredible sport in so many ways, one that I wouldn’t have otherwise even tried if it weren’t for Haymakers For Hope. Why on earth did you sign up to fight?? I’ve learned that for me to make big changes in my life, I need a sort of public declaration. As an example, I don’t really run or ride my bike much these days but I always run a 10k here in Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and ride in a 25-mile race benefiting the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Good causes and they have become events that I really look forward to. Signing up to fight was a similar feeling. You’re stepping in the ring to literally fight for a cure - where are you drawing your inspiration from? How has cancer affected you? I’m a cancer survivor myself, as is my mother. I can also think of other extended family members and friends who are survivors. Needless to say, this is a very personal battle and journey that I’m on.What is going to be the most difficult thing to give up during your training? (beer, cheeseburgers, time spent watching TV?) I have an enormous sweet tooth, so I think giving up just casually getting that 400 calorie cookie is going to be tough. That, and I’ve had unhealthy stints with Mountain Dew. Thankfully that’s in the past.When you’re not throwing punches and training -- what other hobbies/interests do you have? I’ve got two young kids at home so they keep me pretty busy in the mornings before daycare and evenings for dinner, bath time and bedtime. I’ve got a ton of other interests and hobbies, but I don’t mind putting them to the side to really dig into something - like fighting for Haymakers For Hope.Who do you think is the most excited to watch you get punched in the face come fight night? Not my wife, that’s for sure. I’m still working on getting her to want to be there. Probably my closest buddies - I’m sure they’ve wanted to do the same at some point in our lives, ha!Be sure to wish him luck! Best of luck, Pranav!
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Tuesday May 14, 2019
On The Ground in DC
The venue is booked. The gyms are lined up. The fighters are matched. Everything’s underway for the inaugural Haymakers for Hope event this September in Washington, DC. This week, Haymakers staffer Mike Cassesso is bouncing between gyms and fighter orientations; after years on the fight scene in Washington, he’s overseeing training and community for H4H’s newest fight city. Mike’s a Massachusetts native who moved to DC to run campaigns, and knows the lay of the land in Washington. He grew up in a boxing family, and started training in mixed martial arts when he was 17. When he first moved to Washington, he worked as boxing and kickboxing trainer. “There’s a real combat sport culture here,” Mike says. “Boxing used to be really big, but that’s fallen away the last few decades as the city has changed. We don’t really see that type of old boxing culture anymore.” While the newest Haymakers recruits might not have the old school gyms Boston and New York fighters have grown to love, DC fighters are poised to find a different fight community that’s totally unique to their city. The local gyms are welcoming their new Haymakers for Hope boxers enthusiastically, Mike says. “We’ve had very positive reactions from the gyms, which makes sense because it’s a win-win for them. They get new students, plus the great exposure of working with Haymakers for Hope. Most of the gyms are looking at it more as a chance to be helpful to the organization, investing in getting someone ready for the great challenge of fighting.” Representing their gyms at the first fight event at The Anthem is an added bonus. “Fighters who have been doing this for years dream about fighting in a place like this,” Mike says. “The venue is pretty new, and located in one of the newest, most popular neighborhoods in DC. I love that we’ll be able to bring people to this area who might not have made their way there yet.”And the athletes who’ll be making their way to the ring at The Anthem? The 2019 fighters include a cross section of exceptional recruits, working in the industries DC has come to be known for. In its first year, applicants to fight included active military, nurses, nonprofit executives, folks who lobby Congress. On the surface, this group doesn’t have a lot in common, save one important thing: “They’re all average, everyday people who have been touched by cancer.”Mike’s looking forward to using his background in running political campaigns to help the fighters in DC, and he says the two jobs are actually quite similar. “The tactics that come with raising money, getting friends and family to volunteer, it’s all very similar to the tactics fighters are going to use.” There’s something to learn, too, from the many politicians living in DC: “Winning is a plus, but you shouldn’t be afraid of the idea of the adventure. Regardless of the result, I hope our fighters realize there’s comfort in knowing you did everything you could. On campaigns, I tell my teams before Election Day: regardless of the outcome, if you can go to bed knowing you did everything you could, win or lose you should be proud. It’s the same for fighters.”There’s still time to get involved with Haymakers for Hope’s inaugural Beltway Brawl in Washington, D.C. To sign up as a volunteer, email [email protected] By Steph Kent
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Tuesday May 14, 2019
Why They Fight: Rock 'N Rumble IX
With 32 different men and women stepping into the ring for the first time on May 15th, 2019 you can imagine there must be a lot of nerves and emotions swirling around. Excitement, fear, anticipation, hope, dread, the list goes on. They all have someone they are fighting for, they all have individual things driving them. Their lives have all been touched by cancer in some way. As fight night is approaching get an inside look as to what motivates these brave men and women who are stepping in the ring to literally knock out cancer.I have had a few family members and close friends battle cancer and I have seen the strength it takes to fight through it. I hope to match a small percentage of that in this journey. – Crandon LeahyCancer affects everyone. Personally, I have not battled cancer, however I have friends and family who have. I am fighting for them, but I am also fighting for the millions of people who are battling, have battled, and will battle this disease. – Dan FindleyMy grandfather passed away from Leukemia in 2005. He was a pilot in the Royal Air Force during WWll and spent his 18th through 21st birthdays in a German POW camp after being shot down. He survived those horrible conditions and terrible odds flying a bomber during WWll but it was cancer that got him. Even though he lived a full life passing at the age of 83, I couldn’t help but be pissed off that cancer took him from us because he was still so with it and active. He definitely had a few fun years left to spend with us. – Mike BolesLost my brother to lung cancer in 2005. – Derek SkaparsSo in December of 2017, I lost my dear friend, mentor and colleague, Bill to a near 10 year battle with cancer. Bill was the most influential person in my adult life. We worked so closely together and were such dear friends that I felt like I walked this journey with him. I was absolutely devastated when he passed.My dad lost his year long battle with cancer in September of 2018. His decline happened so quickly and the experience was very different however the devastation was the same. I lost the two most influential men in my life to this disease within 10 months. I fight so that my two boys and Bill’s children’s children do not have to experience what this past year of devastation has been like for us. – Stephen Berte_______________________________The advances made in cancer research over the past two decades are incredible. My mom, dad and aunt were fortunate enough to fight and beat cancer. My uncle passed when I was younger. My dad once told me that someday cancer isn't going to be able to take anyone's life. I want to do my part to ensure such. – Bobby O’Brien_______________________________I watched others in my gym train in 2018 and thought I was lucky that I hadn't had anyone close to me affected by the disease. Then within a few weeks a close co-worker was diagnosed, a friend's mother passed after a long battle with it, and another friend told me about how they had been in remission for almost 20 years. It made me want to do something so that hopefully in time, cures can be found and others won't have to go through the same experiences. To me, this competition literally embodies the battle against cancer and I hope that my journey can honor the sacrifices of the people I know personally have battled it, and inspire strength and motivation for others to help find a cure. – James ArredondoI draw inspiration from those who have fought and continue to fight their own battle. Too many of my family and friends have been impacted to list them here. Yet, each one inspires me in their own way. Cancer has provided me with some of the worst lows and the most amazing highs of my life. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, but am a better person for having been impacted by it. The committed Doctors, nurses and administrators of Dana Farber are the ultimate inspiration and need our support. – David PurdyI've lost both my grandmothers to cancer. My paternal grandmother, whom we called Ging, always encouraged us to engage in life - she would tell us to "do at least three active things a day." So I can't think of a better way to honor her than to get active by training for this fight against cancer. – Conor Harris_______________________________I’m fighting for my two friends who both recently lost their moms to breast cancer. If our team fundraising efforts are able to help give someone even one more day with a loved one, it’ll all be worth it. – Jay DriscollWhy am I fighting? For my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and took the immediate step of getting surgery. The day after her surgery, she went to go see my youngest brother off to his senior prom – she wasn’t going to miss it! Today, she is cancer free and still the strongest person I know. I'm also fighting for everyone else who is affected by this horrible disease. – Vanessa BacaMy biggest inspirations are my two grandmothers who have each fought and won multiple battles with cancer. Their perseverance and strength can’t be matched but I’m going to try! – Jim NorcottI have been extremely fortunate that I have not lost any immediate family members or close friends to cancer, yet. However, people close to me have recently lost loved ones or have family and friends battling the disease. The past few months have been overwhelming with the number of new incidences we have heard of. – Mike O’MalleyI have many avenues of motivation and inspiration. I’ve been involved with the Jimmy Fund Walk for a couple years leading our corporate team supporting coworkers, JF Hero’s, and family/friends. This falls right in line. Nothing I’m going to go through is anywhere close to the battle those affected by cancer endure. With that said; Denise Kotlik, Cam Conley, my Uncle, Godfather, friends, family, and colleagues drive me to jump in the ring and punch cancer in the face. - Jon PastorI fight for my father and mother and my mother in law who all fought cancer. I also fight for my two brothers now in remission and all my other family members and friends who fought the battle with cancer... sometimes winning, sometimes not. – Chuck McCallum_______________________________I'm fighting because I love to compete, challenge others, and challenge myself. I grew up next to two absolute monsters (6'8" plus) so I've been in plenty of scraps. In my opinion it's the purest form of competition. What better way to push your limits? And if we can do this for an actually terrific cause, what could be better?Cancer has hung over me for almost my entire life. Both my grandfathers were apparently amazing people, though I'll just have to take everyone's word for it. I'll never know since they both died of cancer before I was born. I vividly remember first asking my parents where my grandads were. I'm sure telling me they were gone was a very hard moment for them. Then when I was 12 my grandmother contracted brain cancer and eventually succumbed after a year-long struggle. Then in my freshman year of college my best friend's father was diagnosed with cancer and eventually lost his fight after a year+ struggle. He was really a second father to me, so that was extremely hard. However, the thing that really brought this home for me was when my wife had a scare with cancer this summer. She's fine, so we dodged that bullet. But sitting in that waiting room amongst all the other people who were in the midst of their fights was unbelievably frightening. And it also made me realize how lucky I've been not to be impacted by this disease more. Few things could have been more motivating. While I've been lucky, that does not absolve me from taking action. When there is a problem of this magnitude it is incumbent upon everyone to act. This is my way to contribute to this fight. – Will ClarkI am fighting because I've seen what cancer does to a person, a family, a community. Stepping into the ring and raising money to find a cure for cancer so that no one else has to suffer seems like a miniscule contribution but if in some small way it helps then it is all worth it. I fight for my stepdad, Butch Mondazzi, my uncle, Steve Penque and my friend's 2 year old daughter, Kennedy Ross because they all had this horrible disease and made an impact on my life. – Andy FullerMy motivation for knocking out cancer is simple: Family. Cancer has had too large of a role in the story of my family, with all 4 of my grandparents battling the disease at least once and my father fighting, and thankfully beating, esophageal cancer a few years ago. My Dad and family have shown that giving up isn’t an option, and that there is no throwing in the towel when everything is on the line - they never quit in their fights, no matter how tough it got.They didn’t give up and, come May 15th, neither will I. No matter who I’m standing across the ring from, I will bite down on my mouthpiece, unleash everything I have, and not quit until the job is done. – Adam MoulterWe've all been affected by cancer. My cousin, Pete, is now the 4th in our family to fight colon cancer and is doing so a year after losing his Mom to the same disease. I'm honored to participate in Haymakers Rock 'N Rumble IX in support of the nurses, doctors and researchers working to find a cure at Dana-Farber. Help K.O. cancer by donating here. – Matt Caple_______________________________There are people with similar stories to mine and harsher who have to deal with cancer either within themselves or the ones they love. My best friend's mother Maria, who has treated me like family over the years is currently recovering from bladder cancer. I am here to fight in her name and the ones who sometimes do not have the opportunity to fight given their circumstances. It is Maria's wish that people know bladder cancer can be a consequence of second hand smoking. She would also like anyone listening to understand how important advocacy, support, and family are during such a difficult process. I have yet to know someone who does not have a loved one affected by cancer in some way. No fight is too small, no heart can be too big. – Neil Whittredge_______________________________I fight for innovation to KO cancer. I am grateful to those who discovered and developed the precise and powerful treatments that knocked cancer out of two close family members. I am fighting to raise money to support the next discoveries, new ideas, and novel therapies so we have the power to knock out cancer wherever it may appear. – Robert Sahr_______________________________I am training hard everyday to do my part to knock out this awful disease but it’s nothing compared to what those who personally battle cancer go through. I fight for my family members, friends, family members of friends. I fight for my Dad, my wife-Janet, my in-laws and so many more. We can end this together! – Jay HajjOne in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Cancer affects us all - not only the person with the disease, but also family and friends. It takes a huge physical and mental toll and stretches our emotional resources. More than 15 years ago, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like so many others who have had cancer, she has been poked and prodded, been through every kind of medical test imaginable, had surgeries, been irradiated, and had to take toxic drugs. There have been emotional highs and lows, moments of breathing easy, and moments getting punched in the gut. Through it all, she has done everything possible to live a great life. She is successful at her job, is a great wife to the most supportive guy in the world, is an awesome mom to two fantastic boys, is a wonderful sister and daughter, and a generally great friend to so many people. She is an inspiration to everyone around her. I am stepping into the ring on May 15th for her and all the other people in my life who have been affected by cancer, to fight back against this terrible disease. As a physician myself, I know what it takes for new, life-saving therapies to be developed. I am asking for everyone's help to raise as much money as possible to knock out cancer. I will train and fight as hard as I can for Christine, for Ed, for Roger, and for so many others. – Jon PasseriI fight because cancer is everywhere, and I want to put it down permanently.I have spent my entire career in the biotech and pharmaceuticals space, and I have seen first hand the effort, resources, and risk necessary to tackle cancer research. I understand that cancer research is ultimately a culmination of all the successes and failures that are experienced in both private industry, academia, and non-profits. With every effort, and every dollar raised, we're inching towards a cure or at the very least more sustainable and effective forms of treatment. So screw cancer. I'm fighting to end it, and I have nothing but "bad intentions". – Jesse Nandhavan_______________________________Haymakers For Hope gives everyday men and women like me the opportunity to fight back against this terrible disease by training for, and competing in charity boxing events to raise money and awareness. I myself was diagnosed with cancer this past Summer. I then underwent surgery, and with continued monitoring for the next few years, I will be 100% out of the woods before we know it. I have also dabbled in the sport of boxing since I was a young'n - mainly by viewing training videos such as Raging Bull, Gladiator (ca.1992), and all the Rocky movies... This Reppucci trivia, combined with the unfortunate fact that many of us have been seriously impacted at some point by having close friends or family suffer from cancer, inspired me to throw my hat in the ring and literally fight for a cure! – Kevin Reppucci
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Sunday May 12, 2019
Thank You Mom
I’m not a boxer. I’m not a fighter. I’ve never thrown a punch at anyone in my entire life… These were my thoughts as I was contemplating signing up to compete in Haymakers for Hope NYC VII. I’d had several friends that had competed, and all had said what an incredible experience it had been - both physically and emotionally - but it seemed like a LOT of time and effort… and given where I was at in life, I wasn’t sure I had the bandwidth to do it. That’s what I was telling myself anyway. The reality is that I was terrified. I wasn’t sure I had it in me. Putting my body through 4 months of intense training, then stepping in a ring in front of thousands of people (including friends and family) when I had a very real chance of losing, and more honestly embarrassing myself… Was this really something I wanted to do? And then I thought about my Mom. She wasn’t given a choice. She wasn’t provided training. In the blink of an eye, my Mom was in a fight for her life, and potential embarrassment was about the furthest thing from her mind… I thought about how brave she was when she told us that she’d been diagnosed, how she somehow managed to wear that beautiful smile when no doubt she was terrified inside. Despite the diagnosis she’d just been given, SHE was the one telling US to be brave…In that moment, there was no choice for me to make. This was something I had to do. For her, and for everyone else that’s been in this situation - on both sides.And she was with me throughout my entire Haymakers experience… I remember telling her when I signed up and was accepted - that was pretty emotional for both of us. I remember filling out the ‘Why I fight’ section of my Haymakers profile, sharing what it was like to see my Mom in the hospital just after her surgery - tearing up just thinking about that day. I remember FaceTiming her after a workout one day, introducing her to Harry my trainer (he later said I had to win otherwise ‘Your mom will whip my butt!’). I remember just before the fight when she came to the gym and got to see where I’d spent the past 4 months, meeting Harry and some of my other new friends/fighters. I remember that walk into the ring, trying to stay calm and focused yet also finally realizing that it wasn’t about winning or losing, my Mom was so proud of me already. I remember after winning my fight, sprinting up to the area where all my ‘fans’ were sitting to see her - apparently, my fight made her so nervous she was outside already outside getting some air. And then I remember finding her. That look on her face will be with me forever. She was so happy (and I’m sure quite relieved it was finally over!) and gave me the biggest hug. Of course, we were both bawling from the emotional overload… but that’s what this event is all about.When the event ended, we went to the afterparty where I was able to introduce her to some of the other trainers/fighters which was also an awesome experience. She even got to feel ‘cool’ hanging back in the VIP section of the bar :). To close out the experience, her and I joined some of the Haymakers Crew for lunch and celebratory drinks the next day. Which I know is cool on both sides as for them it’s proof that the Haymakers mission is the correct one - impacting not only the community at large and the charities they support, but to see the individual impact they have I know gives them a lot of pride as well, and it should… My Mom is one of the lucky ones, she won her battle and is now 16 years cancer-free. But there are so many Moms out there in the world, right now in the middle of their own fight. There are many Moms that weren’t as fortunate and were taken from their families much too early. Today, on Mother’s Day, let us honor all of them- those still in the ring with us here, and those cheering us on in spirit. On behalf of my Mom, my friend’s Moms, and all families that have been impacted by this disease - A sincere Thank You to the entire Haymakers for Hope organization for all you do - It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the community. Together we WILL knock cancer out!Written By Brian Wallace, Hope NYC 2018
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Wednesday May 8, 2019
A “Push Through the Pain” Mentality
At The Way gym in Woburn, Massachusetts, you’ll find all levels of athletes working out in the big, warehouse-like space. They come from many backgrounds and arrive with different fitness goals, but share an intensity and no-pain-no-gain mentality that’s especially attractive to boxers. An added bonus: gym founder Brandon Montella’s a professional fighter with a perfect 9-0 record.When 2019 Boston Haymakers for Hope fighter Krystian Bester found The Way, though, it wasn’t boxing that initially drew him, but Montella’s mission of working with military veterans to build strength and purpose through personal training. Bester is a former United States Marine. After a few months of working out at The Way, he attended one of his gymmate’s fights at the 2017 Boston Haymakers for Hope Fight Night. The next year brought a lot life with it (marriage! a baby!), but when 2019 signups rolled around, he was excited to apply for a fight.In the months since starting to train for a fight, Krystian says the workouts have intensified. “My coach is old school, so we have more sparring, more running, and some double workout days, including one at 5am.” Boxing workouts are hard on anyone, but Krystian remembers a particularly tough day in March because it fell on his birthday. “I went in twice that day, first in the morning. Then I had to go back in the afternoon for sparring with a professional boxer. I got my butt kicked. Ha, that was not a good day.”All the extra work seems to be paying off, though. Both Krystian and his coach were happy with his performance sparring against his opponent, and Bester feels confident he’s progressed a lot in the few weeks since. “After watching the tape of sparring, we have a definite game plan,” Krystian says. “We have a strategy and a backup plan.”Bester’s looking forward to getting in the ring, but says the bigger purpose of the night has been front of mind throughout the training process. He’s raising money for the Foundation for Love, a small charity that helps people who are in their own fight with cancer.“Everything with Haymakers for Hope has been great. The events, the fundraising, the training. You have to be dedicated to do it, you have to get ready for battle,” Krystian says. “It’s a great cause, and I think everyone who has the mentality and drive for this should try it.”Still, Krystian acknowledges that he might have had some early preparation for a boxing match with his time in the Marines. “Marine training definitely conditioned my pain threshold. It gave me the mentality that when you get hit, you have to keep moving forward. Push through the pain, push through training.” To support former United States Marine Krystian Bester, donate or grab your tickets to watch him fight in the 2019 Rock ‘N Rumble in Boston.Written By Steph Kent
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Monday May 6, 2019
The Final Countdown: Jon Pastor
We’re less than 2 weeks away from fight night and as the fighters are in the final stretch we wanted to get in their head and see how they’re feeling about the upcoming bout on May 15th. Jon Pastor is ready for fight night. Learn a little more about his training, and what he’s looking forward to after getting out of that ring!What has been the most surprising thing so far about your journey to fight night? The overall transformation. It's pretty cool looking back on what I've gone through preparing for May 15th and where I started to where things are now.Tell us about your trainer… My trainers are awesome guys. Mark and Matt Nolan at Nolan Bros Boxing have been incredible coaches, mentors, motivators, and trainers throughout the entire process. I wouldn't change a thing with how they've gotten me (and the other H4H crew) ready for May 15.Have you had any injuries so far? How have you overcome those? A gentleman never tells.... I stubbed my toe yesterday though. That sucked.Have you hit your fundraising goal yet? What has surprised you most about fundraising for an event like this? I definitely hit my initial goal and passed it! It's incredible and humbling seeing the amount of money raised and how people have rallied behind me. I still really want to get another $5k or so to pass $40,000!How do you imagine the day leading up to your fight? I'm envisioning May 15th being the longest day of my life. I plan to do as much as possible to keep my mind off everything until getting to HOB and weigh ins. Maybe go see Avengers to kill 3 hours... literally anything to keep myself occupied.Are you nervous? What are you most nervous about? I don't get too riled up and really aren't too nervous going into the home stretch. At this point I'm just conscious of making weight. I've lost 35 pounds already and still have a few more to get to target. I know I'll be fine but after hitting my fund raising goal and feeling comfortable with training/conditioning it's really the last thing to worry about.What do you think you’ll do immediately after your fight? What’s going to be your first meal? Pizza. I've even gone to lengths plotting a pizza delivery to the HOB but figured my fellow fighters would not appreciate it.What is your boxing nickname if you have one? How did you get it? The Jewish Juggernaut! Past roommates coined that bad boy a few years ago and it just seemed perfect. The Hebrew Hammer is played out so wanted it to be unique. Be on the lookout for peeps rockin Juggernaut shirts at HOB!Do you think you’ll continue to box/train after Haymakers is over? I'll definitely keep up with boxing moving forward. Not sure how much I'll continue competitively but I'll box, train, and spar with the Nolans moving forward. Maybe even a couple smokers here and there.What advice would you give anyone who is interested in signing up to KO cancer? 100% do it; It'll change your life. It's a huge commitment and a challenging endeavor but there truly is nothing more rewarding than the impact you're making. Keep in mind that's coming from someone who hasn't even officially gotten in the ring for the main event yet!Good luck, Jon!
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